Insights into fibromyalgia: Understanding, managing, and thriving with chronic pain

In his latest online article, Dr Rafik Sedra gives us his insights into fibromyalgia. He talks about what exactly fibromyalgia is, main causes and risk factors, if its hereditary, if it’s a lifelong chronic condition, can it be cured and how is it managed.

What exactly is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is relatively common, affecting approximately one in 20 individuals, roughly 4 to 10% of the population. It is characterised by persistent widespread pain lasting over three months. However, it's not just about the pain—this condition also impacts sleep quality, often causing disruptions and leading to constant fatigue, consequently affecting daily activities. Moreover, individuals may experience issues with their memory, noticing lapses when managing responsibilities such as caring for children or working, indicating cognitive effects.

Additionally, fibromyalgia presents as a combination of symptoms beyond pain and fatigue, including headaches, abdominal pain, cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms might not seem directly linked initially but are part of the broader spectrum of fibromyalgia.

In essence, it is a condition characterised by chronic widespread pain, affecting sleep, causing persistent fatigue, impacting memory, and encompassing various associated symptoms. There are specific diagnostic scoring systems, such as the one established by the American College of Rheumatology, utilised to diagnose this condition, despite efforts to simplify its understanding for the general population.

What are the main causes and risk factors?

Many people wonder about what actually causes fibromyalgia. The truth is, we're not entirely sure why it affects some people and not others. However, we have noticed a few things that seem to be connected to it.

One thing we've seen is that fibromyalgia often appears in families. For instance, if a mom has fibromyalgia, her daughter might also end up having it. This makes us think there could be something passed down genetically that makes someone more likely to get it.

Stress is another big factor. When people deal with a lot of stress, whether it's from work, problems at home, or just the daily ups and downs of life, it can make them feel down or worried a lot. This kind of feeling might have something to do with fibromyalgia.

Big things that happen in life, especially the really tough stuff that hits you hard emotionally, can also bring on fibromyalgia symptoms. For example, if something really hard happens to a person, they might start feeling the symptoms of fibromyalgia later on.

Even though we don't have one specific reason why people get fibromyalgia, we've noticed it's more common in women than in men. There might be a link between fibromyalgia and things like genetics, feeling anxious, and going through tough emotional times.

Is fibromyalgia hereditary?

Yes, fibromyalgia tends to be passed down through families. There's a strong genetic influence, although the specific gene connected to fibromyalgia remains unknown. However, it's clear that genetics play a role in this condition.

Is it a lifelong chronic condition?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition, meaning it persists throughout a person's life, causing continuous suffering.

However, the key lies in managing this chronic pain. Although it remains a lifelong challenge, there are ways to improve the situation. It's about making adjustments to cope with daily life and activities you once enjoyed. It's about striving to reclaim the things you used to do, whether that's your work or hobbies. The goal is to facilitate your return to a life that's closer to what it was before fibromyalgia disrupted it, enhancing your quality of life. Effectively managing fibromyalgia means it's not about completely erasing the condition, but rather finding ways to significantly improve and better handle it for a more fulfilling life.

Can fibromyalgia be cured? How is it managed?

Fibromyalgia, much like other chronic pain conditions, is a long-term challenge. Managing it isn't about finding a cure, but about making things better for those affected. Studies have revealed that while strong pain medications such as morphine derivatives aren't particularly effective, certain specific medications do offer some relief.

However, the most significant improvements come from lifestyle changes. Programs that blend psychological and physical therapy methods have shown substantial benefits. These programs emphasise the importance of pacing oneself, finding a balance in activities, and altering attitudes toward rest. They encourage individuals to see rest not as the sole solution but to engage in activities in a more measured and mindful way.

Moreover, each person's treatment plan is customised to their unique needs. Addressing specific areas of pain or discomfort—like the shoulders or back—allows for tailored interventions that aim to improve mobility and decrease discomfort.

A combination of specific medications, well-designed programs, adjustments to lifestyle, and personalised treatments significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with fibromyalgia. Most patients notice a tangible difference within six months, and after a year, they often feel like a different person—better equipped to manage their condition and lead a more fulfilling life.

Dr Rafik Sedra is a consultant in pain medicine and anaesthesia with over 15 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Sedra on his Top Doctors profile.